Heidi Mendoza apologizes to LGBTQ+ community, says she won't stand in way of same-sex union becoming law
Senatorial bet Heidi Mendoza has apologized to the LGBTQIA+ community and pledged not to stand in the way of same-sex unions becoming law.
This comes after the former Commission on Audit commissioner made the rounds online for expressing her stance against same-sex marriage in a forum. Some LGBTQ+ members, like Sassa Gurl, withdrew their support for the senatorial candidate over this.
"Maraming salamat sa inyong katapangan, sa patuloy na paninindigan para sa karapatan, at sa inyong lakas ng loob na magsalita, kahit paulit-ulit kayong nasasaktan, napag-iiwan, o pinapatahimik," she wrote on Facebook on April 10.
"Narinig ko kayo. At malinaw sa akin: may mga pahayag akong nakasakit at nakadismaya. Hindi sapat ang intensyon kung may tunay na epekto ang salita. For that, I offer my sincere apology and my full attention," she continued.
Mendoza went on to say that she believes public office is not about "enforcing personal beliefs" but "upholding the rights, dignity, and safety of all Filipinos."
"I know that for many of you, my stance on marriage feels like a contradiction to the principle of pantay na karapatan. And I understand why. That is why I am making this clear commitment: I will not stand in the way of same-sex unions becoming law. My job is not to impose personal doctrine. It is to serve justice."
The senatorial candidate also promised to deepen her study and understanding of inclusive policy-making, ensure that LGBTQ+ voices are heard and empowered in decision-making spaces like her advisory team, collaborate with LGBTQ+ organizations and human rights defenders, and remain relentless in fighting corruption.
Online users react
Sassa, who withdrew her support, thanked Mendoza for her commitment to action.
"Salamat madam," she replied to the former commissioner on X.
"Maraming salamat po sa pakikinig at paglatag ng mabilis na aksyon. You regained my support," content creator Pipay commented on Facebook.
"You have my vote again. Thank you for your humility," one user posted.
Others also explained why stances on LGBTQ+ issues matter to them as voters.
"Ma'am, I know a lot of us have different stances about many things, and I appreciate you for understanding the message we want to send across. At the very least, this has brought discussions about SS union and SOGIE to the table. These are not mere 'kaartehan' for us as some would claim. These are lifelong battles, along with our other struggles against corruption, livable wages, the economy, and healthcare," one user said.
"It is not wrong to dissent. Especially when it is grounded on principle. Part of holding our public officials [to] a higher standard is not compromising and being selective on our values and principles. That is how we hold them accountable. Continue demanding better from them," another added.
Meanwhile, some users wondered what "not standing in the way of same-sex unions" means if she's elected.
"If the legalization of same-sex marriage came to a vote, would you vote in favor, against, or abstain?" one X user asked.
"Words have been used to pacify us before. We've been told 'we're heard' too many times without ever seeing policy, protection, or progress follow. So forgive me if I don't celebrate yet... You've said the right words now. What matters is whether you follow through. We don't need perfection from you. What we need is conviction, [courage,] and above all, we need action that reflects a genuine respect for every Filipino, not just those who fall within your belief system," one user commented on Facebook.
The midterm elections will be held on May 12.
The winning candidates will fill all 317 seats in the House of Representatives and 12 of the 24 seats in the Senate for the 20th Congress of the Philippines.
Local elections will also be held for the executive and legislative branches in every province, city, and municipality in the country.
